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John Flamsteed (1646 – 1719) was an English astronomer, a member of the Royal Society. and the first Astronomer Royal. On 4 March 1675 Flamsteed was appointed by Royal Warrant “The King’s Astronomical Observator”. The warrant stated Flamsteed’s task as:

“rectifieing the Tables of the motions of the Heavens, and the places of the fixed stars, so as to find out the so much desired Longitude of places for Perfecteing the Art of Navigation”.

In 1725, after a lifetime of observing the heavens, Flamsteed’s own edition of Historia Coelestis Britannica was published posthumously. The book contained his astronomical observations, including a catalogue of 2,935 stars. During his career, Flamsteed accurately calculated the solar eclipses of 1666 and 1668. He was also responsible for some of the earliest recorded sightings of the planet Uranus, which he mistook for a star.

In June 1675, a second Royal Warrant was issued. It was concerned with the founding of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, which was intended to be a:

“small observatory within our park at Greenwich, upon the highest ground, at or near the place where the castle stood”.

It is fairly well documented that, in his youth, Flamsteed was very interested in astrology. In his autobiography, we find that in 1665, he busied himself very much in:

“… calculating the nativities of my friends and acquaintance…”

and in 1666, he:

“… spent some part of my time in astrological studies”

We also know that Flamsteed provided the astrologers Vincent Wing and George Parker with data for their planetary tables. In 1673 he began to work on “His large Ephemeris for the yeare 1674”, stating that in this ephemeris, he:

“… showed the falsity of astrology, and the ignorance of those who pretend to it.”

In the preface, he wrote under the pseudonym of Thomas Feilden:

“Indeed, so small is the verity of astrology that even astrologers do not agree on where it lies. Thus William Ramsey (Astrologia Restaurata 1653) says it lies with elections while William Lilly (Christian Astrology 1647) says it lies with horary (he makes his living by them), but John Gadbury (Genethlialogia 1658) laughs at both, thinks that elections are a vanity and horary uncertain, and says it lies with nativities, which I can disprove with one of his own examples of a famous person where, if the name of the person were concealed, the chart would be judged as indicating an idiot rather than a famous person.”(A Preface to the Readers Concerneing the Vanity of Astrology, & the practices of Astrologers; Source: astrology-and-science.com)

It has to be noted though, that neither the preface nor the ephemeris were ever published! It is thought that Flamsteed never found a publisher, willing to print his work, but there is also the possibility that he changed his mind. One year after he finished the draft for his ephemeris, Flamsteed produced an election for the foundation of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, shown below:

The chart includes the Latin motto “Risum teneatis amici”, translated as “could you, my friends, refrain from laughing”. He may have found some merit in astrology after all!

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(Doppelmayr’s celestial map of the southern hemisphere published in Atlas Coelestis in quo Mundus Spectabilis…, decorated with vignettes of the astronomical observatories at Greenwich, Copenhagen, Cassel, and Berlin.)

On 21 August 2017, at 18:30 UT, there will be a total solar eclipse. This eclipse, already known as the ‘Great American Eclipse‘, will be visible in its totality all across the USA from the East Coast to the West Coast. In the surrounding areas, people will see a partial solar eclipse. The partial eclipse will also be visible in Western Europe, North-East Asia, North-West Africa, much of South America, the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Arctic. This eclipse is one of Saros Series 145. Its totality has a duration of 2 minutes and 40 seconds. The map below shows the visibility of the eclipse (time observed is UT):

The astrological chart, cast for Washington, also shows the event:

Before we will discuss any possible effects on the individual, we have a look at the mundane astrological implications of this eclipse. To be able to do this, we need to establish where the eclipse is likely to have its greatest effect. For this purpose we need to look at the countries or cities falling under the rulership of Leo, the sign wherein the eclipse Sun resides during the event. We also have to take into consideration that the eclipse’s visibility will greatly enhance its effect. In this case we are expecting the USA to be greatly affected.

The Sun is placed in the last decanate of Leo, which is ruled by Mars. Traditionally, the lights were not interpreted as eclipse rulers, therefore we have to look at Mars as eclipse ruler and also at Leo, the sign the eclipsed Sun is in. Generally speaking, eclipses in Leo signify:

“death or misfortune for royalty, nobility and ‘persons of quality’; the ruination and destruction of ancient buildings, palaces and churches; division amongst the clergy, the besieging of towns, and a scarcity of horses and grain”.

William Lilly writes in his Annus Tenebrous, that a solar eclipse in the last decant of Leo:

It is useful to know that the last time a solar eclipse occurred in 29* Leo was in 1998. It may be of merit to expect and prepare for a repeat of some of the personal experiences that occurred back in 1998. Although an eclipse usually affects only a small number of people, it may be beneficial to try to remember if any problems occurred during this year. If so, but also to generally establish the possibility of any effect that could take place, the birth chart should be scrutinised for any of the following:

Sun or Moon are in or around 29 Leo
Sun or Moon are in or around 29 Aquarius (opposition)

Sun or Moon are in or around 29 Taurus or Scorpio (square)
29 Leo is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
29 Leo is ascending in the birth chart (conjunct Ascendant)
Should it be the case that one or even more of these factors apply, an in-depth reading of the birth chart may be necessary to find out if, how and to what extent the native could be affected.

For the first time on this web log, I am publishing the Solar EclipseCase Study of a person who is likely to be affected by the upcoming solar eclipse:

(Inner Wheel: Solar Eclipse/Outer Wheel: nativity)

From the bi-wheel above, we can see that the eclipse point is very close to the natal Ascendant and to natal Mars, which indicates that the native is likely to experience the effects of this solar eclipse in a strong and immediate fashion.

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(Inner Wheel: Nativity/Outer Wheel: Solar Return 2017)

We have already described the general effects of this eclipse, but to find out in detail how this could manifest on a personal level, we have to look at other indicators. Using the native’s solar return chart for 2017, we find that solar return Saturn is conjunct the native’s Moon. According to William Lilly, this indicates:

“Danger of Death, full of ill Humours, Melancholy, …” (CA, p738)*

We can also see that his solar return Mars is conjunct natal Mercury. Lilly writes that this aspect:

“Inclines to lying, to speak ill of men, and [he] shall be in danger for words” (CA, p739)

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(Primary Direction: Ascendant square Venus)

During August, the native may also feel the effect of primary directed Ascendant square Venus. Lilly knows that, in some cases,:

“It signifies some infirmness in the Body, obtained by a Surfeit, or too frequent use of venery … he is slighted by the virtuous, the dishonest have no Bridle …” (CA, p662)

This point is very close to the fixed stars pi Scorpius and Dschubba (delta Scorpius) on the right claw and the forehead of the Scorpion. Robson knows that Dschubba is:

“of the nature of Mars and Saturn. … It causes sudden assaults, malevolence, immorality and shamelessness.”(Fixed Stars and Constellations, p172)**

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(Inner Wheel: Nativity/Outer Wheel: Solar Eclipse)

Returning to the bi-wheel of the nativity and the solar eclipse, we can also see that eclipse Saturn is conjunct natal Moon and natal Dragon’s Tail. This is a sign of depression. People who are living through this transit often report that they aren’t able to cope with everyday life any longer.

These conjunctions are close to the MC of the Sun’s Aries Ingress chart 2017, cast for Washington. This means that eclipse Saturn and the native’s Moon/South Node are in the 10th house of the Aries Ingress 2017 for the USA. In mundane astrology, the 10th house represents the ruler, president or government of the country the chart is cast for.

Ingress Saturn and Moon are also in the 10th house, whereby Saturn indicates the possibility of public sorrow and disappointment, even state funerals. The Moon in mundane astrology represents the common people and shows where the public’s attention will fall.

From the above, it can clearly be seen that this native’s fate is intrinsically linked with the fate of the whole nation. This is not surprising, as I can reveal now that this case study is based on the birth chart of Donald Trump, the current President of the United States of America.

On 26 February 2017, at 14:58UT, there will be an annular solar eclipse. The eclipse will be visible in its totality in southern South America, across the Atlantic, and into southern Africa. The partial eclipse will be visible in southern South America, and south-west Africa. This eclipse is one of Saros Series 140. It has a duration of 5 hours and 26 minutes. The map below shows the visibility of the eclipse (time observed is UT):

The astrological chart, cast for Washington , also shows the event:

Before we will discuss any possible effects on the individual, we should have a look at the mundane astrological implications of this eclipse. To be able to do this, we have to establish where the eclipse is likely to have its greatest effect. For this purpose we need to find out which countries or cities fall under the rulership of Pisces, the sign wherein the conjunction between Sun and Moon takes place. We also have to take into consideration that the eclipse’s visibility will greatly enhance its effect.

Looking through traditional source material, we find that Egypt with Alexandria in particular, Italy, with emphasis on Sicily, Calabria, Spain with Compostela and Seville, Asia Minor (Turkey and Armenia), France, with emphasis on the Normandy and Rheims, Portugal, and Germany, with emphasis on Ratisbone, are the locations that could be most affected by this solar eclipse.

Due to the angularity, Canada, Brazil and the United States of America (particularly Washington State) may be affected also.

Jupiter is the planet ruling this eclipse. At the time of the eclipse, he will be located in Libra. He is retrograde, which adds a certain degree of debilitation. It is also noteworthy that he is conjunct fixed star Spica. Robson knows that when Spica is with Jupiter we may expect:

It is useful to know that the last time a solar eclipse occurred in 8* Pisces was in 1998. It may be of merit to expect and prepare for a repeat of some of the personal experiences that occurred back in 1998. Although an eclipse usually affects only a small number of people, it may be beneficial to try to remember if any problems occurred during this year. If so, but also to generally establish the possibility of any effect that could take place, the birth chart should be scrutinised for any of the following:

Sun or Moon are in or around 8 Pisces
Sun or Moon are in or around 8 Virgo (opposition)

Sun or Moon are in or around 8 Sagittarius or Gemini (square)
8 Pisces is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
8 Pisces is ascending in the birth chart (conjunct Ascendant)
Should it be the case that one or even more of these factors apply, an in-depth reading of the birth chart may be necessary to find out if, how and to what extent the native could be affected.

On 11 February 2017, at 00:32UT, there will be a penumbral lunar eclipse. The penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible from Europe, most of Asia, Africa and most of North America. . It is number 59 in the Saros Series 114, and the duration of this eclipse will be 4 hours and 19 minutes. The map below shows the visibility of the eclipse:

The astrological chart, cast for Washington, also shows the event:

Before we will discuss any possible effects on the individual, we have a look at the mundane astrological implications of this eclipse. To be able to do this, we need to establish where the eclipse is likely to have its greatest effect. For this purpose we need to look at the countries or cities falling under the rulership of Leo, the sign wherein the eclipse Moon resides during the event. We also have to take into consideration that the eclipse’s visibility will greatly enhance its effect. Looking through traditional source material, we find that the Alps, Austria (especially Linz), Belgium (especially Ghent), Italy (especially Rome, Sicily, Puglia and Ravenna), Bohemia, Czech Republic (especially Prague), Germany (especially Koblenz), England (especially Bristol), Turkey, and Syria (especially Damascus) are the locations traditionally thought to fall under the rulership of Leo.

The Moon is placed in the last decanate of Leo, which is ruled by Mars. Traditionally, the lights were not interpreted as as eclipse rulers, therefore we have to look at Mars as eclipse ruler and also at Leo, the sign the eclipsed Moon is in. Generally speaking, eclipses in Leo signify

“death or misfortune for royalty, nobility and ‘persons of quality’; the ruination and destruction of ancient buildings, palaces and churches; division amongst the clergy, the besieging of towns, and a scarcity of horses and grain”.

William Lilly writes in his Annus Tenebrous, that a lunar eclipse in the last decant of Leo:

“… swells and animates the dispositions both of the people and souldiery, so that they run after Novelties, desiring new Lawes, and new Governours.”

About Mars, Lilly writes in no uncertain terms that:

“hee [Mars] generally is the cause of corruption in regard of his too much dryness, and this especially when he is in a fiery Sign”.

There is also the possibility of damage through lightning, hurricanes, drought or destructive winds. It is also likely that impetuous storms and violent shipwrecks may occur at sea.

Mars is not only in a fiery sign, he is also conjunct Algenib a fixed star on the wing of Pegasus, the Winged Horse. Robson writes about this conjunction that it suggests

“Quick mind and body, lying or theft, danger of accidents”.*

The map above shows the paths of angularity for Sun (black) and Moon (white)

On a personal level, an eclipse usually affects only a small number of people. To establish the possibility of any effect to take place, the birth chart should be scrutinized for any of the following:

Moon is in or around 22 Leo
Moon is in or around 22 Aquarius (opposition)
Sun or Moon are in or around 22 Scorpio or 22 Taurus (square)
22 Leo is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
22 Leo is ascending in the birth chart (conjunct Ascendant)
Should it be the case that one or even more of these factors apply, an in-depth reading of the birth chart may be necessary to find out if, how and to what extent the native could be affected.

Like this:

This is a general overview of astrological events occurring during the year 2017. Some of the events mentioned below may affect us globally or nationwide, whilst others may only affect us on an individual basis. For details about the nature, strength or duration of any effect that may take place, inception charts as well as natal charts of people in charge of the countries in question will also have to be taken into consideration. For events affecting the native on a personal level, natal-, solar return and other charts will have to be consulted. This should achieve an accurate judgment of the level of influence. In this astrological preview, the following information can be found:

Retrograde motion of the planets

Noteworthy sign ingresses and transits

Other noteworthy phenomena (Solstices, Equinoxes, Super Moons)

Solar and lunar eclipses

Solar ingress charts

For more detailed information, you may watch this space for in-depth articles to be published throughout the year. You may also follow my daily updates on twitter, via @StarsAndStones. For personal requests, please contact me via email; my email address can be found on the Contact Page.

Retrograde Motion

Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn will be retrograde at times during 2017.

Mercury Rx

will delight us, as usual, with interrupted communication, malfunction or complete failure of computers and other electronic devices and general uncertainty and confusion concerning any contracts, legal documents or agreements.

The year will begin with Mercury retrograde in Capricorn/Sagittarius until 8 January. This will be followed by another Rx phase in Taurus between 10 April and 3 May, and thereafter in Virgo and Leo between 14 August and 5 September. The last Rx phase of the year will be and in Sagittarius between 4 December and 23 December.

Venus Rx

Venus will be retrograde in Aries and Pisces between 5 March and 15 April. In Aries she will remind us of passionate love affairs of the past or even tempt us to re-kindle a relationship. In Pisces, retrograde Venus can intensify our longing for love or a relationship that has been lost.

Jupiter Rx

will remind us of his prudent side; with Jupiter’s help we are able to fulfil our potential but in his Rx phase, he demands that we obey the rules, follow our moral guidelines and show kindness and compassion.

Jupiter will be retrograde in Libra between 7 February and 9 June. Retrograde Jupiter in Libra brings a sober note to our search for justice. In this introspective time, we may want to question what gives us joy in life, and we may also investigate if our work in connection with the public is providing a key to finding our true self.

Saturn Rx

in Sagittarius will give us a chance to re-evaluate what has become static and dogmatic in the past. It is likely that any unfinished but forgotten business will make an unexpected reappearance during this time, reminding us to bring old issues to a close.

Saturn will be retrograde between 7 April and 25 August.

Sign Ingresses and Noteworthy Transits

Jupiter will move into Scorpio on 11 October

Jupiter will sextile Saturn on 27 August

Saturn will move into Capricorn on 21 December

Other Noteworthy Phenomena

Solstices and Equinoxes

Spring Equinox: 20 March (10:28UT)

Summer Solstice: 21 June (04:24UT)

Autumn Equinox: 22 September (20:02UT)

Winter Solstice: 21 December (16:28UT)

Super Moons

There will be 4 Super Moons during 2017:

26 April 12:17 UT New Moon in 06 Taurus

25 May 19:45UT New Moon in 05 Gemini

24 June 02:32UT New Moon in 03 Cancer

03 December 15:48UT Full Moon in 12 Gemini

Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Solar Eclipse

Annular solar eclipse on 26 February in 8* 12’ Pisces. This eclipse may be of immediate importance to Canada and the United States of America. With Jupiter being eclipse ruler, countries falling under the planet’s rulership will have to be taken into consideration, too.

An eclipse usually affects only a small number of people. To establish the possibility of any effect to take place, the birth chart should be scrutinized for any of the following:

Sun or Moon are in or around 8* Pisces
Sun or Moon are in or around 8* Virgo (opposition)
Sun or Moon are in or around 8* Gemini or Sagittarius (square)
8* Pisces is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
8* Pisces is ascending in the birth chart (conjunct Ascendant)
Should it be the case that one or even more of these factors apply, an in-depth reading of the birth chart may be necessary to find out if, how and to what extent the native could be affected.

Total solar eclipse on 21 August in 28*53’ Leo. This eclipse may be of immediate importance to Russia. Canada and the USA are likely to be affected at a later date. With the Sun being eclipse ruler, countries falling under the planet’s rulership will have to be taken into consideration, too.

To establish the possibility of any effect to take place, the birth chart should be scrutinized for any of the following:

Sun or Moon are in or around 29* Leo
Sun or Moon are in or around 29* Aquarius (opposition)
Sun or Moon are in or around 29* Scorpio or Taurus (square)
29* Leo is culminating in the birth chart (conjunct Midheaven)
29* Leo is ascending in the birth chart (conjunct Ascendant)

Lunar Eclipses

Appulse lunar eclipse on 11 February, Moon in 22*28’ Leo, Sun in 22*28’ Aquarius. This eclipse may turn out to be of immediate importance to Canada and the USA. The UK, Spain, Algeria, Morocco and Mali are likely to be affected at a later date. With the Sun being eclipse ruler, countries falling under the planet’s rulership will have to be taken into consideration, too.

People with Leo or Aquarius rising, either in their birth chart or in their Solar Revolution for 2017, could be more affected than others. Furthermore it should be investigated if natal Sun or Moon are conjunct the eclipse point. If it should be the case that one or even more of these factors apply, an in-depth reading of the native’s charts may be necessary to find out which particular areas of life are likely to be affected the most.

Partial lunar eclipse on 7 August, Moon in 15*25’ Aqaurius, Sun in 15*25’ Leo. This eclipse may turn out to be of immediate importance to Poland, Austria and Italy. Russia, China and India may be affected at a later date. With Saturn being eclipse ruler, countries falling under the planet’s rulership will have to be taken into consideration, too.

People with Leo or Aquarius rising, either in their birth chart or in their Solar Revolution for 2016, could be more affected than others. Furthermore it should be investigated if natal Sun or Moon are conjunct the eclipse point.

Ingress Charts

2017 Solar Ingress for the United Kingdom

Shown here is the Aries ingress chart, cast for London, representing the United Kingdom. With a cardinal or moveable sign rising, this chart will be valid for a quarter of the year only. The Cancer, Libra and Capricorn ingress charts will have to be taken into consideration, too. From the chart above, we can see that the Sun will be the Lord of the Year. He is prominently positioned in the 10th house (MC) and is also planetary hour ruler. Bonatti writes that the Sun in the 10th house:

“… signifes the honour of kings and their exaltation, and their glory and advancement”(BoA p960).

A detailed analysis of all the ingress charts will be posted on my web log in due course.

2017 Solar Ingress for the United States of America

Shown here is the Aries ingress chart, cast for Washington, which is representative for the United States of America. With a common sign rising, this chart is valid for six months. The Libra ingress chart will have to be taken into account thereafter. From the chart above, we can see that the Moon will be Lady of the Revolution, which gives a first indication of what is to come. Bonatti writes about the Moon being Lady of the Revolution in the 10th house, that:

“… it signifes the effecting of matters from the direction of the king and women and this will be quick … but a matter … will not be durable. Likewise if a king were to undertake to rule in it, he will be deposed quickly; because this place is a winning one in the signification” (BoA p948)

A detailed analysis of the Aries and the Libra ingress charts for the United States will be posted on my web log in due course.

With the Sun’s Capricorn ingress nearly upon us, I would like to take the opportunity to wish all my friends, followers, and gentle readers of this web log a peaceful Winter Solstice and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2017.

(Amaterasu, Goddess of the Sun; painting by Gareth Hainds)

Amaterasu is a major deity of the Shinto religion. She is seen as the goddess of the sun, but also of the universe. The name Amaterasu derived from Amateru meaning “shining in heaven.”

In the beginning Amaterasu the Goddess of the Sun, ruled the heavens and the Earth together with her brother Tsukuyomi the God of the Moon. One day Uke Mochi the Goddess of food offered Tsukuyomi some food that so disgusted him that he killed her. Amatarasu was so outraged by his actions, she retired to a cave plunging the World into darkness. All the trees bearing fruit died, nothing would grow anymore, everyone was living in a state of darkness and despair. So the people devised a plan to bring Amaterasu back. They unearthed a tree and placed a mirror on it, then went to her cave and pretended to have a big festival with music and singing so loud that the Sun Goddess was intrigued, how could this happen with no light in the World? She moved the big stone blocking the entrance of the cave and went out. She sees another Sun, not knowing it is her own reflection. Quickly the people move behind her creating a magic line in the soil that she cannot cross and preventing her from going back fully into the cave. So each night she retreats into the cave as far as the line permits and each morning she emerges bringing light and joy and refreshment to the World.